The Western Juniper Utilization Group will harvest and utilize juniper from public lands, helping the environment and creating jobs.

Gov. John Kitzhaber has designated the Western Juniper Utilization Group as an “Oregon Solutions” project, meaning it will collect $262,000 “to unlock the potential of rangeland restoration and juniper harvested from public and private lands.” The strategy will bring more wood options to builders or those looking for biomass materials.

Kitzhaber named Neil Kelly Co.’s President Tom Kelly and Martin Goebel, the former Sustainable Northwest chief, as the project’s “co-conveners.” They’ll work with businesses, environmental groups, tribes and government agencies on juniper harvesting solutions.